Dark money behind mailers, TV ads

The Cobb Republican primary featured Lee, Boyce and retired businessman Larry Savage, whose presence in the race all but ensured a runoff.

Cobb First incorporated April 28, just a few weeks before the May 24 general primary, and received a $60,000 check from Revitalize America Fund on May 6.

Four days later, Cobb First wrote a check for $25,660 to cover the television commercials that promoted Lee’s re-election. Other payments from Revitalize America Fund followed: $23,000 on June 27; $20,000 on July 5; $20,000 on July 11; and another $20,000 on July 19.

The committee received only three other donations, the largest a $5,000 contribution from Pope & Land Enterprises, one of the principal developers building the Braves $550 million mixeduse complex. The lion’s share, 94 percent, came from Revitalize American Fund.

Political consultant and former lobbyist Chip Lake founded Cobb First. Lake has for years shared a Marietta office with Heath Garrett, whose company is the county’s $14,000-per-month lobbyist.

Lake said Cobb First used all of its money in support of Lee. In addition to television commercials, the money bought ads in the Marietta newspaper, phone calls to voters and at least two mailers attacking Boyce: “Mike wants higher property taxes! Mike loves increased gas taxes! Mike is a committed progressive!”

Another announced: “Warning: Con job in Cobb County. Don’t fall for Slippery Mike Boyce’s latest con job.”

“We were happy to have Revitalize America Fund as an investor in Cobb First, and we reported their contributions in accordance with state law,” Lake wrote in an email. “Even though we came up short, I am proud to have supported the effort to re-elect Tim Lee. His legacy will be one that we can be proud of.”